Mystery shopping can benefit a large number of different types of businesses, but retail outlets, banks, movie theaters, hotels, restaurants, health clubs, and gas stations are the ones which stand to gain the most out of it. It is a great way for getting feedback on customer services and in countries like the UK, it is even used by the local authorities and other non-profit organizations.

Once a mystery shopping service is hired, a questionnaire model is prepared which defines the kind of information the client wants to find out. These are then setup into assignments which are assigned to various mystery shoppers.

The MSPA is the organization which governs mystery shopping companies and their shoppers. They have defined standards when it comes to mystery shopping. There are some other organizations like ESOMAS, MRA, and MRS which also define shopping standards.

Just like any industry, there are a number of scams out there too. Many scammers use legitimate programs to fool unsuspecting individuals into paying a signup or a registration fee. So, if you are on a website which is asking for such charges, you’re in the wrong place and should look elsewhere. Any reputed mystery shopping company is not going to ask you to pay money to work for them. Be sure to verify the checks you receive from a mystery shopping company immediately at a bank. This is important in the beginning until you are sure they are legitimate.

This is a billion dollar industry which is a terrific way of keeping businesses and traders in check. Retailers will not be able to survive without mystery shoppers. Mystery shoppers get paid for their opinions and have a good time doing what they’re doing. Is there a better way of earning a living than this? Doesn’t look like it.